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Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£790
Avg. price in US: ~$800
Form factor: on-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.0

Poor

3.3

Poor

6.8

Good

2.1
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
0.9
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
3.7
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
2.7
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
3.3
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
3.7
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#771 in Best Wired Headphones
#1329 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

It utilizes large 50mm dynamic drivers matched to within 0.05dB, delivering a frequency response of 14Hz–28kHz and a sensitivity of 98dB (1mW). With a low 32-ohm impedance, these headphones are easily driven by portable devices while providing a neutral, clinical sound signature with an expansive soundstage and forward midrange. Key pros include its lightweight, comfortable 280g design and exceptional clarity for acoustic and classic rock genres. However, main cons include a bulky, non-detachable 8-conductor cable and a bass-light presentation that lacks the deep impact required for bass-heavy modern tracks.

Technical Specifications of Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition

Overall score

4.0

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

3.0

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

2.8

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A

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Connectivity

6.2

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Features

2.7

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

1.0

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

5.2

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Grado

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

on-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

open-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

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Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition vs the average headphone

Why is Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition better than the average headphone?

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10 mm larger driver size
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.
Importance: MEDIUM
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.50 mm vs 40 mm
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
8,000 Hz higher treble extension
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.28000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
4 Hz lower bass extension
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (14 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (14 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.14 Hz vs 18 Hz
Open-back design
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.
Importance: MEDIUM
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
0.6 m more useful cable length
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (1.8 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.
Importance: LOW
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (1.8 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.1.8 m vs 1.2 m
Open-back design
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
0.6 m more useful cable length
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (1.8 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
10 mm larger driver size
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
8,000 Hz higher treble extension
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
4 Hz lower bass extension
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (14 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Why is Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
28.4% higher weight
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition is heavier than the average headphone (280 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Tangle-prone cable
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No travel bag
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
No passive noise reduction
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
12 dB lower max SPL
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (98 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
1 fewer microphones
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No passive noise reduction
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
No voice assistant support
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
28.4% higher weight
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition is heavier than the average headphone (280 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition is heavier than the average headphone (280 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.280 g vs 218 g
4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
8.78x more expensive
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition is more expensive than the average headphone (£790 vs £90).
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition is more expensive than the average headphone (£790 vs £90).£790 vs £90
43.4% worse value for money
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition has worse value for money than the average headphone (4.70 vs 6.736).
What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition has worse value for money than the average headphone (4.70 vs 6.736).4.7 vs 6.74
1 fewer microphones
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2
Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition?

Vast and immersive soundstage with precise imaging
Exceptionally lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions
Highly detailed midrange, especially for vocals and acoustic instruments
Striking and unique limited-edition 'Beatles-inspired' aesthetic
Easy to drive even with portable devices and smartphones
Exhibits a fun, engaging sound signature compared to standard models

What customers dislike about Grado The White Headphone Limited Edition?

Bass quantity is lean and lacks deep sub-bass extension
Treble can be bright and occasionally harsh with poor recordings
Fixed, heavy 'garden-hose' style cable is not detachable
Open-back design offers zero noise isolation and significant sound leakage
Lacks modern features like a carrying case or balanced connectivity
Unrestricted ear cup rotation can lead to cable kinking over time

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

11/06/2019

The New Grado White Headphone @TTVJAudio.com - Head-Fi

The limited-edition Grado White Headphone (WH1) is characterized by its vibrant energy, rich midrange, and spacious soundstage, offering exceptional detail and pinpoint imaging suitable for vocal, acoustic, and gaming applications. Its lightweight design enhances comfort for long listening sessions compared to heavier alternatives. However, the headphones exhibit a rolled-off bass...Read more

forum.headphones.com

25/10/2019

Grado WH1 'White' Headphone review Addicted To Audio

The Grado WH1 'White' Headphone is a full-size, open-back headphone reviewed by user dalethorn on The HEADPHONE Community. The reviewer highlights several major pros, emphasizing its seductive, effortless, and occasionally breathtaking sound reproduction that allows users to easily dial into intricate musical details. It boasts excellent accuracy, exceptional tonality, and a quite...Read more

whatsbestforum.com

25/07/2019

Grado WH1 'White' Limited Edition Headphone review - What's Best Forum

The Grado WH1 review highlights an open-back, lightweight headphone offering exceptional, detailed sound with excellent tonality. Key pros include comfort and detailed, "breathtaking" sound, while the primary cons are a lean, stark bass and strong treble that require EQ adjustments. The open-back design and non-detachable, heavy cable further limit its portability and convenience....Read more

headfonia.com

17/03/2020

Grado Labs 'The White Headphone' - Headfonia

The Headfonia review of Grado Labs' "The White Headphone" ($795 USD) describes a limited-edition, open-back model inspired by The Beatles, featuring white-painted maple ear cups and a, thick white-stitched leather headband. Sonically, the headphone delivers a bright, treble-forward, and lean sound, offering an exceptionally large, open soundstage with impressive imaging that...Read more

headfonics.com

20/10/2019

Grado White Headphone Review - Headfonics

The Headfonics review highlights Grado's "The White Headphone" as a limited-edition, open-back model offering an exceptionally spacious soundstage and precise imaging, largely due to oversized G-cush earpads. The headphones feature high-fidelity, pure bass, and a lightweight design that ensures excellent comfort. However, the, model has a bright, treble-forward sound signature that...Read more

techradar.com

10/10/2019

Grado The White Headphone (GS1000e Statement Series) review | TechRadar

Grado The White Headphone is a limited-edition, open-back model inspired by The Beatles' iconic White Album, featuring a striking retro 1960s aesthetic with white maple earcups and a white-stitched leather headband. Built strictly for pure audio fidelity, these over-ear headphones boast 50mm drivers that deliver a warm tone, highly detailed sound separation, and an exceptionally...Read more

majorhifi.com

13/08/2019

Grado White Headphone Review - Major HiFi

The Grado White Headphone is a Beatles-inspired, limited-edition headphone retailing at £620 ($795) that features hand-painted white maple earcups and a fixed 6-foot cable. It provides an exceptionally massive, deep, and articulate soundstage where every instrument and vocalist maintains clear separation. The low end delivers tight, precise bass combined with an organic warmth,...Read more

open-end-music.com

03/12/2019

Listening Test: GRADO - THE WHITE HEADPHONE", "GRADO - THE WHITE HEADPHONE Review", "Audio Review: GRADO - THE WHITE HEADPHONE

The review of Grado "The White Headphone" published by user fidelio (Wolfgang Hackhausen of Musicalhead) on the open-end-music forum highlights a distinctly warm, musical audio presentation. Inspired conceptually by the Beatles' famous White Album, this limited-edition open-back model features distinct white maple wood ear cups and an updated ventilation system. Sound-wise, the...Read more

musicalhead.de

03/12/2019

Grado Audio Review – The White Headphone", "Listening Test: Grado – The White Headphone

Design and Comfort The Grado "The White Headphone" is a limited-edition dynamic headphone created as a homage to The Beatles' 1968 9th studio album, popularly known as "The White Album". It departs from the traditional Grado look by featuring maple wood ear cups finished in a sleek white lacquer, paired with a wide, black Nappa leather headband with white contrast stitching....Read more

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